11-B Newsletter -- February 2004

UNISERV DIRECTOR’S REPORT
FEBRUARY 2004
VAN COLLINS, UNISERV DIRECTOR
Saginaw County Education Association, MEA/NEA

BARGAINING

Swan Valley – Swan Valley Secretaries and Clerks are the only unsettled unit in the 11B Coordinating Council.

GRIEVANCES

Bridgeport EA – The issues surrounding the Middle School Discipline Code were resolved January 14, the day of the hearing and a stipulated award was entered into the record.

Carrollton ESP – Robin Humbles grievance for discipline without just cause will be heard by arbitrator Pat McDonald on April 23.

Saginaw ISD – The hearing on the Transition Center Secretary position has been postponed and a new date has not been set.

The mediation process resolved Sanford Blackmon’s grievance.

Saginaw Township Office Personnel – The decision on Jean Mathis’ involuntary transfer should come in late April

Luann Bugbee’s grievance has been withdrawn.

ON THE CALENDAR

Mar 11: SCEA 4:30 pm 11B/E office
Mar 19-20: Statewide ESP Conference - Kalamazoo-Radisson
April: NO SCEA MEETING
April 30: Spring R.A.

SCEA Minutes -- February 12, 2004

ATTENDANCE: Cheryl Revard (STEA), Van Collins (MEA), Jan Phillips (BEA), Carolyn Nikolai (SVESP), Dave Adams (SVEA), Pat Freeman (FEA 11B Chair), Kirk Bascom (MESSA), Monica Birchmeier (BREA), Jerry Lockhart (BREA), Sean Williamson (CEA)

I. Call to Order – 4:43 p.m.

II. Adoption of Agenda - Accepted

III. Reports

A. Secretary – Printed Minutes Accepted

B. Treasurer – No Report

C. President –No report.

D. MEA Board - Jan 30^th report discussed

E. MESSA – Trying to cut prices without cutting services.

Bargaining School board usually wants less expense without regard to quality. Swan Valley was very nice to work with. They were concerned with the quality.

May see generic mail in drug card offered to reduce costs.

"Choices" offered in Metro Area PPO with MESSA perks. Will be in our area soon (Nov 1^st)

F. Locals – Approved a contract.

SV – Pay percent of premium for health lowers what members pay for health.
Birch Run – Early retirement incentive offered to 12 people (9-12 would be laid off). Will pay 2 years in retirement system or $20,000.
Bridgeport – Unfair labor practice hearing on Feb 24^th postponed because lawyer was unable to be there. Postponed until March. Superintendent sent letter to tell officers that union members cannot conduct union business during school hours.

G. MEA Financial Services – No Report

H. Uniserv Director – Paraprofessionals @ ESP Conference can take test for $10.00 to become "highly qualified".

IV. SCPAC

A. Spring PAC Drive: This spring discuss at next meeting when PAC chair is here.

B. Screening – Recommending with elections we will need to screen candidates.

V. Old Business

A. Bargaining Conference reimbursements tabled until next meeting

B. Coordinating council dues tabled until next meeting

C. OPIE – Tabled until next meeting.

D. Image Grant of $1250.00 cut to $500.00. It may not be done again this year. Discussion at March meeting.

VI. New Business

A. School Family Day may be combined with OPIE awards.

VII. Good of the Order.

VIII. Adjournment – 5:30 p.m.